Chlorine Doesn’t Have To Be Part of Swimming

Chlorination is the standard way of keeping swimming pools free of bacteria, algae, and excessive turbidity. For a number of years, however,

Swimming Pools Don't Have To Smell Like Bleach

there have been alternative technologies. Each has its pros and cons.

Here are some pool alternatives you might want to explore if you have or plan to have a home swimming pool.

1. Saltwater: A saltwater pool system uses sodium chloride in a naturally occurring cycle to keep your pool clean. Chlorine is present, due to the off-gassing of the salt, but it’s far less than in a conventional chlorine pool.

2. Ionizer: An ionizer (so called) uses the mild antibacterial properties of copper and sometimes silver ions to keep your pool clean. Little if any chlorine has to be used.

3. UV/Ozonation: Ultraviolet can be used to keep bacteria down, or UV can also be used to generate ozone to disinfect the pool. A small amount of chlorine will probably be needed to provide a residual disinfectant.

4. Sonic cleaning: Using a machine that produces ultrasonic waves in the water, algae is destroyed at a cellular level.

5. Ecosystem: You can have a totally natural pool by using plants and a breathable bottom. According to MotherEarthNews.com, a pool can be constructed for as little as $2,000 if you do it yourself, while conventional pools can cost tens of thousands of dollars.